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(11)

EP 1 088 333 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 04.04.2001 Bulletin 2001/14 (21) Application number: 99930492.6 (22) Date of filing: 21.06.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01J 49/40, H01J 49/00, B01D 59/44 (86) International application number: PCT/US9913/967 (87) International publication number: WO 9967/809 (29.12.1999 Gazette 1999/52)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 24.06.1998 US 90401 P 15.07.1998 US 92919 P 06.08.1998 GB 9817172 13.10.1998 GB 9822330 (71) Applicant: MERCK & CO., INC. Rahway, New Jersey 07065 (US)	(72) Inventors: RESZKA, Alfred, A. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) SCOLNICK, Edward, M. Rahway, NJ 07065 (US) (74) Representative: Hiscock, Ian James et al European Patent Department,Merck & Co., Inc.,Terlings Park,Eastwick Road Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR Harlow,Essex CM20 2QR (GB)